China tries to pacify India and Japan as US reaches out to regional allies

China’s foreign minister says new coastguard law not aimed at any one country and Tokyo should keep eye on the longer term

Wang Yi downplays military confrontation along Himalayan border, Indian analyst says

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says China’s new Coast Guard Law does not target any one country. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 7:00am, 8 Mar 2021Updated: 11:18am, 8 Mar 2021

China’s foreign minister tried to put a positive spin on ties with Japan and India on Sunday, seeking to pacify the two countries about territorial disputes amid renewed US interest in the region.

In response to concerns from Japan about China’s new coastguard law, Wang Yi said the law was not targeted at any nation.

“The key to Sino-Japanese relations is to have perseverance, and not to let short-term events cause disruption,” Wang said on the sidelines of the National People’s Congress in Beijing.

He also voiced hope of resolving tensions with India as the neighbours try to negotiate their way out of a tense stand-off along their Himalayan border.

Wang’s comments come after US President Joe Biden signalled that Washington would strengthen Indo-Pacific security and renew its alliance with Asian powers, a move widely seen as countering China.

Washington said Biden might hold talks in the coming week with the three other members of the “Quad” – Japan, India and Australia – who together comprise an informal alliance that Wang has previously labelled an “Indo-Pacific Nato”.

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